Thanks for all the support

/ NEWS & EVENTS

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

When Peter Walsh was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2014 he plummeted into dark despair. Peace Hospice Care, the South Herts Motor Neurone Disease Association Support Group and the love of his family helped turn his life around.

'I tell my young grandson's I have got a bad leg,' said Peter
Walsh. 'They don't need to know grandad has a disease that may give
him just a couple of years or so to live.

'I used to be a fit 71 year old. I could climb Ivinghoe Beacon with
my grandsons, kick a football around in the garden and go out walking.
Not anymore. It breaks my heart. But I have learnt to manage my
illness, put things in place and enjoy life once more.

'Peace Hospice Care helped turn me around. I also got great support
talking to Glenn Phillips, the founder member of the local Motor
Neurone Disease Support Group and other members of the group who truly
understand what I am going through. If it wasn't for this combined
support, I don't think I would be here. That is how bad I felt. My
diagnosis left me in a terrible place in my mind.

'Before my diagnosis, I was a carer for my partner Zoe who has
Multiple Sclerosis, I looked after my two young grandsons Ollie and
Oscar each week and enjoyed doing my garden. MND took that away from
me. I couldn't deal with it.

'I was referred to Peace Hospice Care by my doctor. My eldest
grandaughter broke down in tears when she heard the word hospice. She
thought it was the end of me. Instead it was the beginning of a new me.

'I was given a full assessment at Peace Hospice Care Starlight Centre
and given a counsellor and physiotherapy group once a week. I made
myself turn up and trusted the experts.

'At the same time I went to an support group for people with Motor
Neurone Disease. I remember having a ten minute chat with the founder
member of the group. That made a huge difference. He was inspirational
and understood what I was feeling. He confirmed that I would never get
used to MND but I could find a way to manage it.

'Peace Hospice Care have helped me find that way and manage my
deteriorating health. The support of the physiotherapists at the Hospice
and other healthcare professionals has been overwhelming. I used to
turn up for my weekly physio with my head down. Now I walk in happy and
have a laugh with other members of the group. We keep each other going.

'In the near future I am going to join the Hospice weekly walking
group and meditation drop in sessions. I will also continue talking to
my colleagues with MND and I know my family are there for me.

'All this support has enabled me to get my life back on track. I urge
anyone who is out there desperate for help to not suffer alone. I want
everyone to know about the Hospice and Starlight Centre. I can't speak
highly enough about them. I wear the Hospice badge on my summer hat and I
praise them constantly.

'I may be a grandad with a bad leg but I have certainly taken big
steps forward since my diagnosis. I thank everyone who has stood by me
and helped me through the dark days. I am enjoying life again. I really
am.'

For further information on the Starlight Centre's programme of
supportive courses, complementary therapies and workshops contact 01923
330330 or starlightcentre@peacehospicecare.org.uk
To find out more about the MND support group for people with MND and
their carers in the South Herts Area, please contact Jenny Fellas by
email: chris_jennyfellas@hotmail.com